112
EPPING FOREST
who had the right to do so in bygone times, and
perhaps by some who had not, there are many left,
of varying ages, up to 150 or 200 years, which,
with proper attention, will make fine timber trees
for those who come after us.
The lowest branches of the beech and horn-
beam are cropped close by the deer and com-
moners' cattle. This causes a dense hedge-like
HONEYLANE HILL.
growth late in the summer, which holds its withered
leaves throughout the winter months, until they
are pushed off by the young growth, and shows
rich masses of brown in the dull season.
Much devastation has unfortunately been
caused, especially in the neighbourhood of the
Wake Arms and Theydon, by fires, accidentally,
or I fear in some cases mischievously, kindled,
many acres of charred stems and blackened ground
showing a melancholy record. I would invite the
co-operation of all visitors in averting this serious